Research Associate I

utaustin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Research Associate I to support the Bipolar Disorder Research Center under Dr. Jorge Almeida. The role will involve conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining equipment within a grant-funded project on BD2 Integrated Network.

Occasional weekend and after-hours work is required. The position is based in Austin, TX, with collaboration across interdisciplinary teams to advance neuroimaging and psychological measures in bipolar

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Public Health or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments under supervision, including neuroimaging data collection and neurocognitive assessments.
• Collect and analyze data using statistical methods and enter results into research databases.
• Provide participant support via phone or email and assist in recruitment and informed consent processes.
• Maintain accurate records of procedures and results; ensure compliance with SOPs and IRB requirements.

Skills

Data interpretation

Record keeping

Time management

Critical thinking

Lab equipment use

Scientific software

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or related field

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate I ----

Hiring Department:

Department of Psychiatry ----

Position Open To:

All Applicants ----

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40 ----

FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA ----

Earliest Start Date:

Immediately ----

Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027 ----

Location:

AUSTIN, TX ----

Job Details:

General Notes

This is a grant-funded position with an end date of 08/31/2027, renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward research goals.

Purpose

The Research Associate I supports scientific research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. This role typically reports to a Principal Investigator or Senior Research Scientist and works closely with other research staff, including Research Technicians and Laboratory Assistants. The Research Associate I is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, contributing to research publications, and assisting in the development of new research protocols. This role will assist an interdisciplinary research team in the Bipolar Disorder Research Center under Dr. Jorge Almeida at Dell Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin with collecting and analyzing psychological and neuroimaging measures in the bipolar disorder population. This position will primarily, but not only, assist on the BD2 Integrated Network study. The BD² Integrated Network connects 11 leading clinical institutions to share real-world clinical, biological, and neuroimaging data, aiming to uncover the biology of bipolar disorder and speed discoveries into care. Ultimately, it will follow more than 4,000 people with bipolar disorder over the course of 5 years. This position will require working on weekends and/or after normal business hours.

Responsibilities

Conduct Research Experiments

• Perform laboratory experiments under the guidance of senior researchers, including obtaining neuroimaging data, administering neurocognitive assessments, and collecting/processing/shipping biospecimen samples.
• Collect and analyze data using various scientific techniques and enter data into electronic research databases.
• Provide exceptional and tactful support to research subjects via phone, email, etc.
• Assist in recruitment of participants to research study, including outreach, contacting potential participants using different methods, conducting pre-screening checks, confirming eligibility criteria, and obtaining informed consent.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.

Data Analysis

• Analyze research data using statistical software and tools.
• Interpret results and prepare reports for review by senior researchers.
• Assist in the preparation of research publications and presentations.
• Assist with manuscripts and publications by drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring adherence to publication guidelines.

Laboratory Maintenance

• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Ensure the laboratory is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.
• Follow safety protocols and procedures.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with other research staff to coordinate experiments and share findings.
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on research progress.
• Communicate effectively with external collaborators and stakeholders.

Protocol Development

• Assist in the development and optimization of research protocols.
• Review and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines.
• Assist with IRB submission and management by preparing necessary documentation, coordinating with IRB representatives, and ensuring timely submission and approval.

Marginal or Periodic Functions

Literature Review

• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
• Summarize findings and present them to the research team.

Training and Mentorship

• Provide training and guidance to new research staff and interns.
• Assist in the onboarding process for new team members.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Interpreting experimental results, identifying trends in data, troubleshooting experimental issues.
• Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and ensuring the precision of experiments.
• Effective in conveying research findings and collaborating with team members in a professional, tactful manner.
• Willing to work on weekends/after normal business hours.
• Strong time management/organization ability and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient in using laboratory equipment and scientific software.
• Coordinating experiments with colleagues, participating in team discussions, supporting team goals.
• Comfortable interacting with people living with serious mental illness.

Required Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Public Health or a related field wi